The Fontanel has been the backdrop to a flurry of activity as the final touches are being made at the 2013 Southern Living Idea House. We’ve been on-site snapping a few candid pictures and getting a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot. Here are a few of our favorite takeaways: It takes months of planning to coordinate editors, photographers, and stylists. There’s a ton of props brought in to give the home a lived-in look. Even with plans, there are still surprises. Alerted by loud meows, the crew discovered a family of kittens and their parents, Mama Cat and Garfield, living underneath the mudroom! Shooting stopped briefly and the cats were saved by the animal-friendly gang at the Fontanel.

Check out some of our favorite photo shoot sneak peaks:

Courtesy of Interior Canvas

We couldn’t get over how many buckets of fresh flowers and greenery were flown in to provide endless options for flower arranging!

Courtesy of Interior Canvas

There’s Senior Stylist, Buffy Hargett, (The crew was calling her Flower Lady!) caught in action making the arrangements.

Courtesy of Interior Canvas

Here’s a sampling of Buffy’s finished works waiting to be pulled into photos. Will you be able to spot these in the August story?

Courtesy of Interior Canvas

Bags and bags of candles waited in the wings to light up the home’s porches.

Courtesy of Interior Canvas

And of course, watching the talented Laurey Glenn in action was a treat! We couldn’t believe the equipment involved — she travels (a lot) with three oversized bags, two that weigh 60 pounds. We can’t imagine lugging all that around!

Although we can’t show you everything that’s inside, we thought it would be fun to share a few photos (taken by Southern Living) to whet your appetite and get you even more excited for the big reveal in June. Enjoy!

Courtesy of Southern Living

Courtesy of Southern Living

Courtesy of Southern Living

Courtesy of Southern Living

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